NASCAR is trading city streets for vineyard views this weekend, but Sonoma Raceway isn’t just serving up scenic racing. The track is adding some serious culinary star power to Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a celebrity chef who knows wine country better than most locals.
Tyler Florence has been named Grand Marshal for the July 13 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, where he’ll deliver the iconic pre-race command. The choice makes perfect sense when you look at his deep connection to the area.
Why Is Tyler Florence the Perfect Choice for Sonoma’s Grand Marshal?
Florence was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but became a culinary phenomenon in Sonoma. He spent two decades in Wine Country and became an icon with his creative dishes, passion for fresh, local produce, and deep community ties.
The 54-year-old owns and operates many popular restaurants around the Bay Area. He’s best known for San Francisco’s Wayfare Tavern and Miller & Lux at Chase Center, where he puts a modern spin on classic American dishes, especially steaks.
Beyond his restaurant empire, Florence has been a familiar face on Food Network for over 25 years. “Food 911” brought him into the spotlight, where he helped cooks solve kitchen challenges. He then became host of “Tyler’s Ultimate,” where he searched for the best version of classic dishes.
He’s also starred in fan favorites like “The Great Food Truck Race” and “Worst Cooks in America” and even competed on “Iron Chef America.” Recognizing his deep roots in Sonoma’s culture, Sonoma Raceway will honor him as the Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday.
Giving command to start engines Sunday for Cup race at Sonoma … celebrity chef Tyler Florence
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 11, 2025
“Tyler’s infectious energy and deep-rooted connection to Sonoma County makes him a perfect fit to be a part of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and celebrate NASCAR’s return to wine country,” Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, explained.
Can Shane van Gisbergen Continue His Road Course Dominance at Sonoma?
While Florence brings the star power, the real action happens on the track. Sonoma Raceway, a 1.99-mile road course in California’s wine country, boasts 12 turns and stunning views. Its uphill corners and tight braking zones make it a tough test for NASCAR’s best.
The NASCAR Cup Series has visited Sonoma Raceway 35 times, with Ricky Rudd claiming the inaugural victory in 1989. Jeff Gordon holds the record for most wins at the track with five. Among active drivers, Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch lead with two wins each.
However, Shane van Gisbergen will be one of the favorites after winning at Chicago this week. He has three wins on road courses in only nine NASCAR outings, so the Kiwi will be confident heading into his debut at Sonoma Raceway.